Big Issue investigates claims Powys residents have been targeted by fake sellers

They say several members of the public raised concerns about individuals fraudulently selling the Big Issue in the Powys area and they are looking into it.

There have been cases reported in Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Hay on Wye and Kington and Builth Wells Mayor Councillor Gwyn Davies raised the issue at January’s meeting.

He said a lady had contacted him about what she believed was a fake seller in the town on Mad Friday. Councillor Davies said the lady was angry because lots of people were giving her lots of money as it was just before Christmas and the ‘seller’ had other people with her, some of whom became intimidating when challenged.

Councillor Davies said he told the lady he would raise it at a council meeting and he had.

He said it is bad for Big Issue’s reputation and they should know about it.

Councillor Mark Hammond said; “It would be worth us getting in touch with the Big Issue to see if their sellers have identification badges and where they are covering.

“If we have fraudulent people fleecing our community, then that needs to be quashed,” he said.

Members agreed to contact Big Issue and Trading Standards.

The Journal contacted Big Issue and they gave Powys residents some advice.

Big Issue Managing Director, Catherine Parsons said: “We understand that several members of the public have raised concerns about individuals fraudulently selling the Big Issue in the Powys area and we’re looking into this.

“Official Big Issue vendors will be badged, have been ID checked and sign a Big Issue vendor code of conduct to be able to sell the magazine. We have outreach teams who go out daily to visit and support our vendors and look out for any misconduct or abuse of our business model. 

“Our advice to the public would be to make sure you buy a Big Issue from someone who is showing a valid, in date badge, wearing a Big Issue red tabard and who is selling the current week’s edition of the publication. It is also important to always take the magazine you purchase.

“We work with local authorities and police to ensure that any abuse or misuse of the system is reported and dealt with swiftly. This also applies to anyone we believe is at risk of exploitation to ensure their protection and welfare.

“We see an increase in the number of people selling and buying the magazine around Christmas. This unfortunately comes with an increased risk of people posing as Big Issue vendors to take advantage of people’s goodwill at this time of year. 

“If you know of a vendor selling without a badge or with an expired badge, please contact the Big Issue’s support teams by emailing vendor.comments@bigissue.com.

“It is worth being aware that Big Issue sellers may only book a pitch for up to a week at a time, so if you do not recognise your local vendor, it does not necessarily mean they are selling illegitimately. A small number of sellers choose to move around from week to week and will travel to areas where pitches are available.”

Powys County Council’s Trading Standards service said any incidents should be reported to the police as they would be the responsible body for anyone who is committing fraud by false representation.